As a writer, I see in writing the power of shaping reality. We are able to see and understand only what we can describe with words. Language becomes the vehicle we use to make sense of life and to engage in dialogues to create meaning.
This makes me reflect on the fact that to create a different business reality (a more humane one) we need first to create a new language to be able to talk and describe it. Our development as individuals and the development of business are tight together in the need of developing our language. A new and more humane language of leadership and leadership presence.
We have created a legend, a myth of leadership that isn’t human anymore. It’s a concept identified out there, far from being reached or reached only after enormous sacrifices.
If we substitute the word “Leader” with “Human”, Leadership is no longer an extraordinary quality possessed only by few but a quality available to all of us. How do we evoke it in everyone? It is a path through the labyrinth of integrating the neglected parts we left behind to “succeed”. We often cut off parts of our expression to fit the mould of what organisations, society, our families, or ourselves too, expect. We seem to be “successful Leaders” and end up instead trading off the leadership of who we really are.
We need a new vocabulary to talk about what it means to be human and what it means to have a human experience of leadership.
Art is the language of seeing beneath the surface - to understand we are not fragmented or divided , but fully creative human beings. The art of growing our leadership (HUMANSHIP- I just made this up), is then the art of becoming more human. And, the language we use to express leadership is inspired by our heart and our vision in dialogue with the world. It is a journey that takes time, space, and the willingness to commit to the being rather than only the doing.
I am inviting you on this journey of looking at Leadership through art (poetry my art of heart) with this poem "Leader" from The Whisper - as presented at TEDx Lugano.
You will never know till you stand up
There is enough space within you
Space to contain the multitudes
Stand up
Speak up
Say no
No to fragmentation
No to moving faster
Slow down
Know your multitudes
Learn what moves inside and outside them
Turn towards the truth
Stand up
Speak up
The Whisper said
I want to talk business in rhyme.
May this be the beginning of a poetic exploration into a more human experience of leadership.
RNEWB offers a robust diversity of experiences, talks, workshops and programs that use storytelling, poetry and heARTistry in an innovative and yet practical methodology. Our work has guided leaders and teams to reach their goals, tap into their creativity, broaden their awareness and improve trust within the organisations they lead. For more information please feel free to get in contact.